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Our Journey Online - October 4, 2013

2013Oct 04

COMMENTS

Mark Four of an Authentic Christian

1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—2the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—3that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. —1 John 1:1-3

Here’s how we summarize mark four of an authentic Christian: We know completely. Or to put it another way, I must have a personal experience with Jesus Christ. Please read the Scripture above again.

Notice how the that he opens with is really a who—Jesus. No greeting; no, “Hey, how are you?” First John is like the Gospel of John. He’s brimming with enthusiasm for Jesus! The pen touches the parchment and BAM! Jesus! That’s how I feel sometimes when I get up to preach: forget the preliminaries; let’s get to the main event—Jesus!

Leading into verse 2 John says, “Concerning the word of life—the life was made manifest. . . ” Manifest means before you couldn’t see it and then, whoa, out it comes! It means what couldn’t be seen or known is suddenly seen and known. In the Old Testament, it was fire, smoke, darkness, and a mighty voice that answered the question: “Who is God?” The response was fear. Then in the New Testament, all the glory of the loving God is made known; Jesus did that. “The word of life. . . was made manifest, and we have seen it,” is the personal experience.Then, “and testify to it.” We’re telling other people about it. In fact, we’re not just telling them,we“proclaim,” meaning, to lift up your voice with urgency.We “proclaim to you the eternal life.” And eternal life is also a person (John 17:3),“which was with the Father.” That’s Jesus. He “was with the Father,” one with the Father, “and was made manifest to us.” He was made known to us. This is not just factual knowing; this is personal, intimate, relational knowing.

I must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. That is one of the marks of an authentic Christian. You’ve got to have relational experience. Your mom’s story is not going to make it. Going to a good church won’t cut it with God. You have to have your own relationship where you know Him more and more completely. That’s what John’s saying here. “Look! We heard Him. We saw Him. We touched Him. It was real and personal to me. I’m telling you it can be as real for you.”—James MacDonald

Journal

· What does it mean to me today to know Jesus?

· In what ways am I increasing my knowledge about Him and deepening my relationship with Him?

Prayer- Father, You did not have to manifest Yourself to us and yet You have offered us multiple clues about Yourself in all that You have created, including us. And then You topped it all by manifesting Yourself in Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for the privilege of really knowing You and the challenge and delight of growing into that knowing every day of our lives. We can do this because of Jesus, and in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

What if you believed—truly believed with all confidence that God is with you? How would today go for you if you knew without a doubt that God is in control? What would be different in your life if you were sure God is watching and good? What would you risk if you were certain God is victorious?

Just how would believing God’s promises change your life?

Ask the greatest Christian you’ll ever meet if they hold on to God’s promises and they’ll all say yes. Believing that God will do what He promises leads to a great life. The greatest Christian you’ll every meet knows, treasures, and is resting in the promises of God. They cling to these assurances that God gives His people so they can walk by faith while they wait for Him to work.

So what exactly does God promise? In this topical study of what will always be true, Pastor James MacDonald will explore five great and precious promises that God keeps. Enter into this study with anticipation and faith that the God who makes these promises is faithful and true... always true.